Welcome to CircuitPython! - cdn-learn.adafruit.com

1 Welcome to CircuitPython! Created by Kattni RemborLast updated on 2021-06-07 11:31:47 AM EDT2556668889101112121313131314141415151 5171718182021222222232324252527272930303 13132333333 Guide ContentsGuide ContentsWelcome To CircuitPythonThis guide will get you started with CircuitPython! What is CircuitPython?CircuitPython is based on PythonWhy would I use CircuitPython?Frequently Asked QuestionsI have to continue using an older version of CircuitPython; where can I find compatible libraries?Is ESP8266 or ESP32 supported in CircuitPython? Why not?How do I connect to the Internet with CircuitPython?Is there asyncio support in CircuitPython?My RGB NeoPixel/DotStar LED is blinking funny colors - what does it mean?

2 What is a MemoryError?What do I do when I encounter a MemoryError?Can the order of my import statements affect memory?How can I create my own .mpy files?How do I check how much memory I have free?Does CircuitPython support interrupts?Does Feather M0 support WINC1500?Can AVRs such as ATmega328 or ATmega2560 run CircuitPython?Commonly Used AcronymsInstalling Mu EditorDownload and Install MuUsing MuInstalling CircuitPythonDownload the latest version!Windows 7 and DriversStart the UF2 BootloaderWhat's the difference between CIRCUITPY and boardnameBOOT?Bootloader Drive NamesThe CIRCUITPY DriveWorking with Multiple DevicesRenaming CIRCUITPYR enaming CIRCUITPY on MacRenaming CIRCUITPY on WindowsRenaming CIRCUITPY on LinuxRenaming CIRCUITPY through CircuitPythonReverting to CIRCUITPYC reating and Editing CodeCreating CodeEditing CodeYour code changes are run as soon as the file is done Use an editor that writes out the file completely when you save Eject or Sync the Drive After WritingOh No I Did Something Wrong and Now The CIRCUITPY Drive Doesn't Show Up!

3 !!Back to Editing Your First CircuitPython ProgramImports & LibrariesSetting Up The LED Adafruit 2 of 1113434353636373738394044484949505051525 3545556575759596060616263656565666868707 174818181818282828383 Loop-de-loopsWhat Happens When My Code Finishes Running?What if I don't have the loop?More ChangesNaming Your Program FileConnecting to the Serial ConsoleAre you using Mu?Setting Permissions on LinuxUsing Something Else?Interacting with the Serial ConsoleThe REPLR eturning to the serial consoleCircuitPython HardwareTrinket M0 Gemma M0 Circuit Playground ExpressFeather M0 ExpressMetro M0 ExpressWhat's Next?CircuitPython LibrariesInstalling the CircuitPython Library BundleExample FilesCopying Libraries to Your BoardExample: ImportError Due to Missing LibraryLibrary Install on Non-Express BoardsUpdating CircuitPython Libraries/ExamplesWelcome to the Community!

4 Adafruit DiscordAdafruit ForumsAdafruit GithubReadTheDocsAdvanced Serial Console on WindowsWindows 7 DriverWhat's the COM?Install PuttyAdvanced Serial Console on Mac and LinuxWhat's the Port?Connect with screenPermissions on LinuxPyCharm and CircuitPythonCircuitPython for ESP8266 Why are we dropping support for ESP8266?About ESP8266 for CircuitPython ( )Installing CircuitPython on the ESP8266 Download esptoolDownload Latest CircuitPython FirmwareGet ESP8266 Ready For BootloadingErase ESP8266 Program ESP8266 Adafruit 3 of 1118484868686879090909091929293939494979 7979798989898989910010010010010110210210 3103105105105105106106106107108109110 Upload Libraries & Files Using Ampy!Other Stuff To Know!

5 Uninstalling CircuitPythonBackup Your CodeMoving Circuit Playground Express to MakeCodeMoving to ArduinoNon-UF2 InstallationFlashing with Bossac - For Non-Express Feather M0's & Arduino ZeroCommand-Line ahoy!Download Latest CircuitPython FirmwareAlternatively, use GitHubDownload BOSSATest bossacGet Into the BootloaderRun the bossac CommandUsing bossac Version bossac Versions , and or LaterTroubleshootingAlways Run the Latest Version of CircuitPython and LibrariesI have to continue using CircuitPython , , or , where can I find compatiblelibraries?CPLAYBOOT, TRINKETBOOT, FEATHERBOOT, or GEMMABOOT Drive Not PresentYou may have a different 10 Windows 7 or Explorer Locks Up When Accessing boardnameBOOT DriveCopying UF2 to boardnameBOOT Drive Hangs at 0% CopiedCIRCUITPY Drive Does Not AppearWindows 7 and ProblemsSerial Console in Mu Not Displaying AnythingCircuitPython RGB Status LightValueError: Incompatible.

6 Mpy Drive IssuesEasiest Way: Use ()Old Way: For the Circuit Playground Express, Feather M0 Express, and Metro M0 Express:Old Way: For Non-Express Boards with a UF2 bootloader (Gemma M0, Trinket M0):Old Way: For non-Express Boards without a UF2 bootloader (Feather M0 Basic Proto, Feather Adalogger,Arduino Zero):Running Out of File Space on Non-Express BoardsDelete something!Use tabsMacOS loves to add extra & Remove MacOS Hidden FilesCopy Files on MacOS Without Creating Hidden FilesOther MacOS Space-Saving TipsDevice locked up or boot loopingCircuitPython Essentials Adafruit 4 of 111 Welcome To CircuitPythonSo, you've got this new CircuitPython compatible board . You plugged it in. Maybe it showed up as a diskdrive called CIRCUITPY.

7 Maybe it didn't! Either way, you need to know where to go from here. Well, we'vegot you covered!This guide will get you started with CircuitPython! There are many amazing things about your new board . One of them is the ability to run CircuitPython. Youmay have seen that name on the Adafruit site somewhere. Not sure what it is? We can help!"But I've never coded in my life. There's no way I do it!" You absolutely can! CircuitPython is designed tohelp you learn from the ground up. If you're new to everything, this is the place to start!This guide will walk you through how to get started with CircuitPython. You'll learn how to installCircuitPython, get updated to the newest version of CircuitPython, how to setup a serial connection, andhow to edit the to CircuitPython!

8 Adafruit 5 of 111 What is CircuitPython?CircuitPython is a programming language designed to simplify experimenting and learning to program onlow-cost microcontroller boards. It makes getting started easier than ever with no upfront desktopdownloads needed. Once you get your board set up, open any text editor, and get started editing 's that is based on PythonPython is the fastest growing programming language. It's taught in schools and universities. It's a high-level programming language which means it's designed to be easier to read, write and maintain. Itsupports modules and packages which means it's easy to reuse your code for other projects. It has a builtin interpreter which means there are no extra steps, like compiling, to get your code to work.

9 And ofcourse, Python is Open Source Software which means it's free for anyone to use, modify or improve adds hardware support to all of these amazing features. If you already have Pythonknowledge, you can easily apply that to using CircuitPython. If you have no previous experience, it's reallysimple to get started!Why would I use CircuitPython?CircuitPython is designed to run on microcontroller boards. A microcontroller board is a board with a Adafruit 6 of 111microcontroller chip that's essentially an itty-bitty all-in-one computer. The board you're holding is amicrocontroller board ! CircuitPython is easy to use because all you need is that little board , a USB cable,and a computer with a USB connection.

10 But that's only the reasons to use CircuitPython include:You want to get up and running quickly. Create a file, edit your code, save the file, and it runsimmediately. There is no compiling, no downloading and no uploading 're new to programming. CircuitPython is designed with education in mind. It's easy to startlearning how to program and you get immediate feedback from the update your code. Since your code lives on the disk drive, you can edit it whenever you like,you can also keep multiple files around for easy serial console and REPL. These allow for live feedback from your code and storage. The internal storage for CircuitPython makes it great for data-logging, playing audioclips, and otherwise interacting with hardware support.